WhatsApp to bring liquid glass design to Mac and iPad apps

WhatsApp is reportedly preparing a significant design overhaul for its iPad and Mac apps, as Meta expands its new “Liquid Glass” interface beyond iOS devices.
The messaging platform, which recently introduced broader access to the Liquid Glass design on iPhones, is now shifting attention to desktop and tablet versions. According to a report by WABetaInfo, the development team is actively working on integrating the same visual style into the macOS version of WhatsApp.
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Because WhatsApp uses a shared codebase across iOS, iPadOS, and macOS, the redesign is expected to focus mainly on properly adapting and implementing the new interface elements across all platforms.
The upcoming update is also said to include wider design improvements aimed at modernizing the Mac app and making it more consistent with the iPhone experience.

New Sidebar, Cleaner Navigation and Privacy Upgrade
One of the most notable changes expected is a redesigned sidebar featuring expanded options and text labels alongside icons, replacing the current icon-only layout. While the chat list is expected to remain unchanged, the Liquid Glass design language will extend to key areas such as the chat bar and attachment menu.
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The update may also introduce a dedicated section for locked chats within the sidebar. This improvement is designed to close what WABetaInfo describes as a “privacy gap” between the Mac and iPhone versions, as iOS currently keeps locked chats protected behind Face ID in a separate section.
Rollout Still Unconfirmed
Although the feature has reportedly been spotted in development, it is not yet available for beta testers, and Meta has not officially confirmed the rollout timeline. The redesign is therefore still in progress, with no clear release date announced.
If rolled out, the update would mark one of the biggest visual changes to WhatsApp’s desktop experience in recent years, bringing it closer in design and functionality to the mobile app.
Edem Kwame
Edem Kwame is a journalist at GH News Media covering tech and national developments in Ghana.


